There’s something irresistibly cozy about the combination of sweet pears, warm spices, and pure maple syrup – and that’s exactly what makes this Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe stand out. It’s a refreshing, non-alcoholic treat that feels both uplifting and comforting, perfect for any moment you want to savor something special without the buzz.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I still remember the first time I made this Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe on a chilly afternoon—it was like the flavors gave me a little boost of warmth and comfort I didn’t know I needed. It’s a recipe you can whip up quickly, and it tastes much fancier than it looks.
- Cozy Flavor Harmony: The blend of pear, citrus, cinnamon, and maple syrup balances sweet, tart, and warm perfectly every time.
- Easy to Make: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this mocktail approachable even on busy days.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level or sweetness to suit your mood or guests’ tastes.
- All-Occasion Mocktail: Perfect for holidays, brunch, or anytime you want a festive yet alcohol-free drink.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe combines familiar, natural ingredients that create a layered flavor profile. Each one plays a vital role—from the juicy sweetness of pears to the warm notes of cinnamon and nutmeg that make it perfect for cooler days. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:
- D’Anjou Pears: Their firm texture and sweet, slightly tangy flavor stand up well when cooked and blend beautifully into the drink.
- Orange (sliced and fresh juice): Adds zesty brightness that balances the maple syrup’s sweetness and complements the spices.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A splash here enriches the pear slices as they cook, adding a subtle depth without overpowering.
- Pure Maple Syrup: Natural sweetness with a hint of caramel notes—an absolute must for that distinct maple flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Allspice: These warming spices bring that cozy, festive aroma and complexity many crave in autumn and winter drinks.
- Filtered Water: The base liquid to infuse all the flavors together without any harshness.
- Ginger Beer (for topping): Adds a bubbly, spicy kick that lifts the mocktail and adds an exciting texture contrast.
- Rosemary Sprigs (optional): Fresh herbal garnish with piney notes to elevate the presentation and aroma.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about the Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. You can dial up the spices if you want a little extra warmth or switch the ginger beer topping for sparkling water for a lighter fizz. Feel free to get creative!
- Variation: I love adding a splash of fresh lemon juice when serving on hot days—it adds a bright zing that complements the pear sweetness beautifully.
- Dietary tweaks: The recipe is naturally vegan, but if you want to add a little adult twist, a splash of bourbon or spiced rum pairs amazingly well.
- Seasonal swaps: In winter, try swapping out the orange for blood orange or even grapefruit for a slightly more complex citrus edge.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe
Step 1: Gently cook the pears and spices
Start by slicing your D’Anjou pears and orange, keeping the skin on to lock in extra flavor and texture. Heat a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat, then add the sliced pears, orange slices, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, for about 15 to 20 minutes until the pears soften and the mixture is fragrant. This step infuses the fruit with cozy spices and mellow sweetness—watch carefully so nothing burns.
Step 2: Add water and simmer
Pour in two cups of filtered water and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle fully. This creates the base for your mocktail’s rich, spiced tea-like character.
Step 3: Strain and freshen with orange juice
Carefully strain the liquid into a pitcher, pressing the cooked fruit slightly to extract all that lovely flavor but leaving most solids behind. Stir in the freshly squeezed juice of one orange, plus two tablespoons of pure maple syrup and a pinch of cinnamon to brighten and sweeten the drink further. Chill if you want a cold mocktail or enjoy warm depending on your mood.
Step 4: Serve with ginger beer and garnish
Pour the mocktail into glasses, topping each with a splash of spicy ginger beer for effervescence and a little bite. I love adding a small sprig of rosemary on top—it’s not just pretty but adds an herbal aroma as you sip that makes the drink feel extra special.
Top Tip
Making this recipe taught me a few handy tricks that I want to share so your Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe turns out perfect every time. Don’t rush the cooking of the pears, and remember that the spices should gently infuse the fruit without burning.
- Slow and Low Cooking: I learned the hard way that cooking pears too fast or on too high heat scorches the spices and ruins the delicate flavors—low and slow is the key.
- Strain Gently: Press the cooked fruit carefully when straining to get maximum flavor but avoid gritty bits in your drink.
- Fresh Citrus Finish: Adding fresh orange juice at the end lifts the whole drink, making it taste bright and vibrant instead of dull or overly sweet.
- Ginger Beer Boost: The ginger beer adds the final zing and sparkle; don’t skip it unless you prefer a truly flat mocktail.
How to Serve Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of fresh rosemary sprigs for their piney aroma and elegant look. Sometimes, I even rim the glass with cinnamon sugar for a sweet-spicy touch that guests love. Thin orange wheels or peeled pear slices also make delightful, edible garnishes.
Side Dishes
This mocktail pairs beautifully with light snacks like spiced nuts, soft cheeses, or autumnal salads featuring roasted root veggies. I especially enjoy it alongside a savory charcuterie board or a crispy turkey sandwich for a casual get-together.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gatherings, I like serving the Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe in clear mason jars with cinnamon sticks as stirrers and a small sprig of fresh thyme instead of rosemary. It instantly makes the drink feel festive and Instagram-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftover mocktail base (before adding ginger beer) in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to serve, just top with fresh ginger beer to bring back that lovely fizz.
Freezing
Since it contains fresh orange juice and spices, I don’t recommend freezing this mocktail—the texture and flavor change too much. Instead, make smaller batches fresh to avoid leftovers.
Reheating
If you prefer a warm version, gently reheat the base liquid on the stove, stirring occasionally, until hot but not boiling. Then add spices or maple syrup as needed before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While D’Anjou pears are my favorite for their texture and sweetness, Bartlett or Bosc pears also work well. Just make sure the pears are ripe but firm to avoid a mushy texture.
Yes! This Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe contains no alcohol and is made from natural ingredients, so it's a fabulous festive drink for all ages. Just serve without the ginger beer if you want to avoid any slight spiciness some ginger beers have.
You can prepare the spiced pear base a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. When it’s time to serve, add the fresh orange juice and top with ginger beer to retain the fizz and brightness.
Maple syrup gives a unique flavor, but if you don't have any, pure honey or agave syrup are decent substitutes. Keep in mind these may slightly alter the taste profile, so start with less and adjust to your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe has become one of my go-to drinks whenever I want something that feels both fresh and comforting without alcohol. It’s truly a hug in a glass, full of flavor and warmth that invites you to slow down and savor the moment. Give it a try—you might find it becoming a staple in your seasonal entertaining, just like it is in mine!
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Spiced Maple Pear Mocktail Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Spiced Maple Citrus Pear Mocktail is a cozy and refreshing non-alcoholic drink featuring sweet D’Anjou pears, zesty citrus, warming spices, and rich pure maple syrup. Perfect for any occasion, this vegan mocktail offers a sweet and tangy flavor profile with a hint of spice, topped with ginger beer and optionally garnished with rosemary sprigs.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium D’Anjou pears, sliced (skin on)
- 1 orange, sliced (skin on)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 cups filtered water
Additional Ingredients
- 1 orange, freshly-squeezed
- 2 Tbsps pure maple syrup
- pinch of ground cinnamon
- ginger beer, for topping
- Rosemary sprigs, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit and Spices: Slice the D’Anjou pears and one orange with the skin on. Measure out the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
- Sauté Pears and Orange: Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced pears and orange and sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.
- Add Maple Syrup and Spices: Stir in ¼ cup pure maple syrup, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon ground allspice. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently to coat the fruit with the spices and syrup.
- Add Water and Simmer: Pour in 2 cups of filtered water and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Strain and Cool: Remove the saucepan from heat and strain the spiced pear and citrus mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a container, pressing the solids to extract maximum flavor. Discard solids and allow the liquid to cool to room temperature.
- Mix Mocktail Base: In a serving jug, combine the strained liquid with the freshly squeezed juice of 1 orange, 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, and a pinch of ground cinnamon. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Serve: Fill glasses with the mocktail base, then top each with ginger beer to add fizz. Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Optionally, garnish each glass with a fresh rosemary sprig for an aromatic touch. Serve immediately and enjoy your Spiced Maple Citrus Pear Mocktail.
Notes
- This mocktail is best served chilled or over ice for a refreshing taste.
- For an alcoholic version, add a splash of bourbon or spiced rum to complement the flavors.
- If ginger beer is not available, ginger ale can be used as a milder substitute.
- Use organic fruits if possible, especially since the peels are included in the preparation.
- The spiced syrup can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 394 kcal
- Sugar: 66 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 85 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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